Day 25

If I had to describe the past 9 days in one word it would be: overwhelming. Chester and I had good walks today though. We have a regular spot now where he pees now. Sorry, neighbors.

I have started making him walk behind him when we go for our walks up and down the sidewalks which is no easy task as every cat, squirrel and bird excites Chester. He starts jumping and pulling and barking. So, from the beginning, I started saying “Back, Chester, Back”. Up and down the sidewalks, “Back”, “Back”, “Back”. You know that sound you make when imitating the sound a chicken makes? Yeah, I sound like that. Up and down the sidewalks, “Back” “Back” “Back”.

I have included in my “Back” command, “Follow me” and “Me first”. All day, “Follow me. Me first. Back, Chester, Back.” I try to reason with him, “I can’t lead you if you are in front”. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. But I just keep repeating myself, like Jesus, “Follow me” over and over and over.

It was a wonderfully hot day. Held babies at church and then spent time at K’s house which has a huge yard and plenty of room for Chester to feel like was in Heaven. We both felt like it was Heaven. It was fantastic.